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Bradenton council approves 20% increase to building permit fees; council seeks performance reporting
Summary
Council approved a 20% across‑the‑board increase to building-permit fees to close a recurring deficit in the permitting fund; staff also proposed reduced fees for state-authorized private providers and agreed to quarterly performance reporting after at least one council member voted against the measure citing lack of performance metrics.
Bradenton — The City Council approved a 20% across‑the‑board increase to building permit fees, effective July 1, to address a persistent shortfall in the permitting enterprise fund. The final vote was 4‑1.
Planning & Community Development director Robin Singer and Chief Building Official Scott Williams presented an analysis showing the department’s fee schedule lagged peer cities and had not seen a major update for several years. Staff recommended a 20% fee increase to close an average historical deficit (staff cited multi‑year averages) and to align permit revenues with the cost of electronic permitting, staff training, inspections and higher private‑sector wages that affect retention.
Staff said the department is not requesting additional budget appropriations; the fee change is intended to make the permit fund self-supporting so general‑fund taxpayers do not subsidize building operations. The proposal would keep the existing fee structure intact but multiply current fees by 1.20. Examples staff provided: a 2,000‑square‑foot single‑family new build would move from $1,540 to about $1,840; a 15,000‑square‑foot commercial building fee example changed from $12,300 to about $14,700; roof permits were similarly adjusted by 20%.
Florida law requires municipalities to reduce fees for state‑certified private providers; staff proposed a 15% fee reimbursement for private providers that inspect only, and 30% where private providers do plan review plus inspections. Williams told council the 15/30 split is consistent with peer cities’ practice.
Several council members asked for performance monitoring tied to the fee increase. Councilwoman Coker asked for time-to-permit and inspection-turnaround metrics; Councilwoman Moore and others said they wanted to see quarterly performance reports. One council member voted against the increase, saying she would support a smaller immediate raise paired with clear performance metrics before authorizing the remainder. Staff committed to quarterly reporting to council on processing times and other performance measures under the new fee regime.
The resolution passed 4‑1; staff will implement the new fee schedule effective roughly July 1 and publish guidance for contractors and applicants.
